Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of the Godfather Saving the Studio
Feb 19, 2025
Discover how Paramount Pictures, once struggling, found its salvation through the dynamic duo of Charles Bluhdorn and Robert Evans. Their serendipitous meeting with Mario Puzo set the stage for the creation of 'The Godfather.' Dive into the trials and triumphs faced during production, complete with insider anecdotes and industry insights. Uncover the unconventional choices that led to the film's success and the undeniable impact it had on Hollywood's legacy.
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From Poolside to Producer
- Robert Evans' career began in Hollywood after Norma Shearer spotted him poolside and cast him to play her late husband, Irving Thalberg.
- Despite initial skepticism from the cast and crew, Darryl Zanuck famously declared, "The kid stays in the picture," solidifying Evans' place in the industry.
Unlikely Duo
- Charles Bluhdorn, having zero film experience, bought the struggling Paramount Pictures.
- He hired Robert Evans, a former actor turned producer, based solely on a New York Times profile, tasking him with saving the studio.
Blind Leading the Blind
- Evans, now head of production, hired Peter Bart, the author of the very article that got him hired, as his right-hand man.
- Despite their lack of film experience, they produced early hits such as "Rosemary's Baby" and "Love Story" for Paramount.
